In the realm of elite boxing, technical skill and strategic finesse often overshadow raw power. Trainer Abel Sanchez’s critique of Terence Crawford’s ability to emulate Gennadiy Golovkin’s success against Canelo Alvarez highlights an essential truth: punching power and physical dominance are not solely about size or weight but about the natural strength and conditioning that fighters develop over time. Sanchez’s assertion that Crawford lacks the punch of Golovkin and cannot replicate his ability to hold Canelo off with brute force emphasizes that mental grit alone cannot substitute for genuine physical power.
This critique invites a broader discussion on what truly makes a boxer formidable. While Crawford is widely regarded for his exceptional skills, agility, and ring intelligence, he may underestimate the importance of raw strength in a high-stakes fight against a fighter like Canelo. The emphasis on power is often misinterpreted as a superficial attribute; however, it directly impacts a fighter’s capacity to impose their will and control the pace of a fight. Without the physical durability and knockout potential, even the most technically sound fighters might find themselves at a disadvantage when facing someone with GGG’s natural strength.
The Significance of Conditioning and Body Development
The critique also underscores a critical oversight made by some fighters—neglecting the development of their physical bodies in pursuit of speed or technical mastery. Crawford’s recent move to 168 pounds, without a comprehensive strength training regimen tailored to that division, raises questions about whether he can sustain the added weight and harness sufficient power to threaten Canelo. Sanchez points out that Crawford has not had enough time to build the necessary body strength, making his foray into a higher weight class a potential liability rather than an asset.
Building muscle mass is not as simple as putting on weight; it demands years of dedicated conditioning, nutrition, and incremental strength training. Crawford’s decision to forgo tune-up fights at 168 suggests a rush to compete at the highest level, much like an unprepared athlete attempting to sprint without proper conditioning. Such haste risks leaving a fighter ill-equipped to handle the physicality of elite competitors like Canelo. Historically, fighters who succeed at higher weights often do so through prolonged preparation and body transformation—something Crawford’s current situation leaves little room for.
The Psychological Edge: Pride vs. Reality
Sanchez notes that Crawford is a proud fighter, which is undeniably an admirable trait. However, in boxing, pride can sometimes cloud judgment, especially when it pushes fighters into fights before they are fully prepared. Crawford’s willingness to skip tune-up bouts to get acclimated to 168 pounds suggests a confidence that borders on overconfidence. This attitude can be dangerous when facing someone like Canelo, who is renowned for his punishing power and tactical discipline.
In contrast, Golovkin’s success against Canelo was rooted in a meticulous approach—building a strong, durable physique that could absorb punishment and deliver decisive blows. Crawford’s offensive style, more focused on volume and speed than knockout power, might not be enough to deter a resilient counterpuncher like Canelo. The mental game will also play a crucial role—if Crawford enters the ring without the physical authority that GGG had, he might find himself overwhelmed, regardless of technical proficiency.
The Illusion of Widening Divisions and Overestimating Adaptability
Moving divisions is a complex endeavor that involves more than just gaining weight—it requires a fundamental transformation of strength, stamina, and style. Sanchez’s criticism touches on a vital point: Crawford’s swift transition to 168 pounds, without adequate time to adapt physically, could diminish his effectiveness. Simply adding weight does not equate to developing the power needed to keep a seasoned puncher like Canelo at bay.
Golovkin’s ability to fight across multiple weight classes successfully was not just about size; it was about relentless conditioning and innate power. Crawford’s recent performances at 154 pounds demonstrate that he lacks the sheer punching force at that level, releasing a warning sign about his capacity at higher divisions. Effective fighters adapt gradually, mastering their physical and technical skills over years. Crawford’s current approach resembles a shortcut, risking a mismatch against a fighter who is not only skilled but also physically formidable.
The Fallacy of Powerlessness and Underestimating Strength
Ultimately, Sanchez’s critique challenges a popular misconception: that skill alone can overcome raw strength. His point that Golovkin’s punch was, in some cases, more impactful than Crawford’s best shots reinforces the idea that power is an essential component of championship pedigree. It’s not enough to be quick or technically astute; a fighter must threaten with knockout potential to force opponents into defensive shells and create openings.
Canelo’s ability to absorb punishment and turn the tide with targeted counterpunches reflects the importance of resilience and physical fortitude. Without comparable strength, Crawford may struggle to impose his will and keep Canelo at bay for the full duration of a grueling contest. What remains clear is that talent alone, no matter how exceptional, is insufficient in the heavyweight arena of elite boxing where physicality, conditioning, and tactical power dictate outcomes.
In assessing Crawford’s chances against Canelo, one cannot ignore the critical role of natural strength and physique—elements that defenses, technical skills, and mental toughness must complement rather than replace. Without a deliberate, long-term focus on building this foundation, even the most talented fighters risk becoming mere footnotes in the history of boxing’s most demanding battles.